Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, our Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado is the ultimate dish for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings for something both light and tasty. This salad artfully combines a variety of textures and tastes, with crunchy vegetables and creamy avocados harmonizing under a zesty dressing. Perfect for warm days, this salad is not just a refreshing choice; it’s also loaded with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your meal rotation.
Whether you are in need of a light meal on its own or a vibrant side dish to accompany a heartier entree, this salad has got you covered. The use of fresh lime juice adds a zing to the overall flavor, complemented by the umami-rich fish sauce and spicy Sriracha, which elevate every bite. The use of roasted peanuts not only brings a delightful crunch but also provides healthy fats and protein, ensuring you feel full and satisfied. This Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado will become a go-to recipe that you’ll want to whip up time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado
- Healthy and Nutritious: With plenty of vegetables and healthy fats from avocado and peanuts, it’s a nutrient powerhouse.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The mix of lime juice, fish sauce, and Sriracha creates a balanced and exciting dressing.
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for meals on busy days.
- Versatile: As a side or main dish, you can customize it with your favorite proteins or grains.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on your salad-making adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by pulling out a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping and slicing the vegetables. A box grater will come in handy for the carrots, while a large mixing bowl will be needed to toss all your ingredients together. Don’t forget to grab a whisk for mixing the dressing! Having a measuring cup and spoons will help ensure accurate quantities for the dressing’s components.
Once your tools are in place, take a moment to wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Ensuring everything is clean will help maintain the freshness and taste of your salad. Shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots are vital steps, so consider investing a bit of time to do these evenly to ensure they’re uniform in size. Lastly, preparing all ingredients ahead of time can streamline the process and make assembling your salad a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by prepping your vegetables for the salad. Shred the cabbage finely, using a sharp knife or a box grater to achieve uniform pieces. Next, grate your carrots until they yield bright orange strands. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions; the contrast of colors creates a beautiful base for your salad. Finally, take fresh cilantro and chop it roughly; its fragrant aroma will enhance the salad immensely!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and Sriracha. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This vibrant dressing not only adds depth of flavor but also glazes the vegetables beautifully. Taste the mixture before using; if it’s too tangy, add a little more sugar, or if you prefer more heat, increase the Sriracha.
Step 3: Toss the Salad Ingredients
Now it’s time to assemble your salad! In a larger bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts. Drizzle the dressing over these colorful ingredients and toss everything gently with tongs or a large spoon. Make sure each piece is coated evenly in the dressing to maximize flavor. This part is crucial—ensuring the salad is well mixed will enhance the presentation and taste.
Step 4: Incorporate the Avocado
Right before serving, carefully fold in your diced avocado. This step should be done gently to ensure the avocado maintains its shape and doesn’t mash into the salad. The creamy texture of the avocado will balance out the crisp vegetables and elevate the dish’s overall richness.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
To let the flavors meld beautifully, refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time helps enhance the overall taste experience and allows the ingredients to marry well. Once rested, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, and enjoy the miracle of freshness in every bite.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Vegetables: Include cucumber for additional crunch or add shredded radishes for a peppery kick.
- Spices: Amp up the heat with extra Sriracha or add chopped red chili for a spicy twist.
Cooking Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor—bottled juice may contain preservatives.
- Adjust the level of fish sauce according to your dietary preference; soy sauce can be used as a substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the vegetables to absorb the flavor of the dressing.
- You can prepare all the salad components in advance, but add avocados just before serving to ensure they remain fresh and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken for a wholesome dinner.
- Serve it alongside rice or quinoa for a nutrient-packed meal.
- Top with additional crushed peanuts for extra crunch when serving.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the peanuts before adding them to the salad—this adds warmth and depth to each bite.
- Experiment with different salad greens, like kale or arugula, to create a unique twist on the salad base.
- Keep leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week for a quick salad fix anytime.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the vegetables and the dressing ahead of time. Just keep them in separate containers and combine right before serving for the freshest taste.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
To make it vegetarian, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a plant-based alternative.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be great additions to turn this salad into a meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The texture may change, but flavors will still be delicious!
Conclusion
The Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado is indeed a delightful addition to any meal. Bursting with freshness and loaded with flavor, this salad not only makes for a beautiful presentation but is also a nutritious choice that is easy to prepare. As you explore this recipe, remember that the beauty lies in its versatility; feel free to make it your own by swapping in different vegetables or proteins. We’d love to hear about your variations and experiences with this recipe. Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this delightful salad with friends and family!
Print
Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, our Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado is the ultimate dish for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings for something both light and tasty.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
- Start by prepping your vegetables for the salad. Shred the cabbage finely, using a sharp knife or a box grater to achieve uniform pieces. Next, grate your carrots until they yield bright orange strands. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions; the contrast of colors creates a beautiful base for your salad. Finally, take fresh cilantro and chop it roughly; its fragrant aroma will enhance the salad immensely!
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and Sriracha. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This vibrant dressing not only adds depth of flavor but also glazes the vegetables beautifully. Taste the mixture before using; if it’s too tangy, add a little more sugar, or if you prefer more heat, increase the Sriracha.
- Now it’s time to assemble your salad! In a larger bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, sliced bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, and roasted peanuts. Drizzle the dressing over these colorful ingredients and toss everything gently with tongs or a large spoon. Make sure each piece is coated evenly in the dressing to maximize flavor. This part is crucial—ensuring the salad is well mixed will enhance the presentation and taste.
- Right before serving, carefully fold in your diced avocado. This step should be done gently to ensure the avocado maintains its shape and doesn’t mash into the salad. The creamy texture of the avocado will balance out the crisp vegetables and elevate the dish’s overall richness.
- To let the flavors meld beautifully, refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time helps enhance the overall taste experience and allows the ingredients to marry well. Once rested, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, and enjoy the miracle of freshness in every bite.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice and adjust the level of fish sauce according to dietary preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 6 g